On Saturday, the Melbourne branch of the Ukrainian Youth Association in Australia (CYM Melbourne) organized a ball in support of Ukraine dedicated to its 70th anniversary. Participants in the ball, called “Chervona Kalyna,” included Stefan Romaniw, UWC First Vice President, and Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, UWC Vice President for Oceania, Asia, and Africa.
CYM Melbourne Chairman Mark Hrechanivsky in his speech reminded the audience that the CYM reestablishment in the diaspora started in displaced persons camps throughout Germany in the wake of WWII. “Our parents and grandparents had a vision, this vision was to educate their children, grandchildren, and also now their great-grandchildren our Ukrainian language, culture, history, morals, and our rich Ukrainian traditions,” he said. “They knew that by continuing to educate us in our traditions and customs that their Ukrainian spirit will live on in all of us. Today, 70 years later, CYM Melbourne has adapted and changed in the diaspora, but we have never forgotten our roots.”
He also pointed out that CYM’s motto “Honor Ukraine – Ready to defend!” is now more imperative than ever before in our history.
UWC sincerely congratulates CYM Melbourne on the jubilee!
The Ukrainian Youth Association’s objective is to organize and educate the youth based on the “God and Ukraine” ideals and develop their Christian and patriotic way of thinking. CYM also aims at cultivating the unity of Ukrainians around the world willing to work for the good of the Ukrainian Nation and strengthen its statehood.
Photos: CYM Melbourne
